Manchester City are coming to terms with life after Pep Guardiola — but that does not mean their days of dominance are coming to an end.Guardiola leaves the Etihad after a trophy-laden 10-year spell, with this season’s Carabao Cup and FA Cup completing an era that delivered unprecedented success.Six Premier League titles, Champions League glory and a relentless winning mentality transformed City into one of Europe’s elite clubs under the Spaniard’s leadership.But while Guardiola’s departure signals the end of a remarkable chapter, there is little sense of panic around the club.City’s hierarchy have spent time preparing for succession and believe they already have the right man lined up to continue the winning culture.
Enzo Maresca is expected to be confirmed as Guardiola’s successor, after working alongside him as assistant in the 2022-23 season. As a head coach, he also guided Chelsea to Europa Conference League and Club World Cup success, and he now faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career, following in the footsteps of one of football’s greatest coaches ever.City remain confident they can stay among the Premier League’s dominant forces, and the betting markets also suggest City are far from fading away.After finishing second this season, 7 points behind champions Arsenal, they are priced at 5/2 to reclaim the Premier League title next year.Arsenal are favourites at 6/4 after finally ending their long wait for the title, while City sit just behind them in the market. Liverpool are next at 6/1, with Manchester United priced at 13/2.The odds reflect a belief that Guardiola’s departure will not suddenly derail City’s ability to compete at the highest level.Betfair also make them 2/9 to secure another top-four finish, a reflection of their incredible consistency. City have not ended a season outside the top four since 2010.Interestingly, they are priced at 9/1 for relegation — unusually short odds for a club of their stature. That would seem largely due to uncertainty surrounding the ongoing 115 charges case, with some fears a future points deduction could dramatically impact their season.May 28, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
